Make ready procedures and real-time control of the printed sheet are made easier with the innovative InlineColorPilot option.

High precise measuring heads and 3 sheets for one measurement is all it takes to achieve color perfection with the help of ROLAND InlineColorPilot. The ROLAND InlineColorPilot measures printed sheets inside the press and automatically regulates the ink slides to reach the target density values in the shortest time. The measurement and control is done inline, with no unnecessary interruption to the entire process. Non-stop operation means there's no need to pull the sheets during production. As a result the ink-water balance can be continuously sustained. This improves color stability, shortens the make-ready time, and significantly reduces wastage. Fast and reliable, the ROLAND InlineColorPilot has been popular worldwide since the first model was launched at drupa 2008.

Manroland Sheetfed also offers innovative optional upgrades to maximize the functions of the ROLAND InlineColorPilot at minimal cost, such as the InlineRegister, Bobst Register, ProcessMonitor and Colorimetry.

InlineRegister for excellent register setting

A time saver, it automatically and simultaneously adjusts register during the make-ready process saving operators time during the make-ready. The InlineRegister is fully integrated into the ROLAND InlineColorPilot measuring the deviation of the continuous tone measuring field to the register mark which is implemented in the printing control strip. No further space on the sheet is required.

Bobst Register, seamless integration with post-press process

For integrating the register marks needed for the punching process into a very small print control stripe, the Bobst Register is an attractive option. It does not need additional space on the sheet and is especially suitable for packaging printers who are using Bobst post-press equipment for enhancements. Manroland is the only press manufacturer that can place the Bobst register marks in the color control strip. And it can be used for color measurement and control at the same time!

ProcessMonitor, entire job quality analysis

ProcessMonitor is a software package designed for the analysis, display and evaluation of print quality and print stability.

An extensive analysis of each sheet’s print quality, according to ISO 12647-2 standard, is done in real time. A wide range of aspects are evaluated, including density, color values, delta E color deviations, grey balance, trapping to dot gain, and color of the print substrate and quality. It generates quality reports together with the comprehensive logging of the print quality as PDF or in hardcopy.

So ProcessMonitor can help printers to detect the errors at once and correct them in a timely manner. This can further reduce production costs.

Colorimetry for the highest print quality

The measurement of colorimetric values (CIELAB) is absolutely necessary for the review of standardized print quality and assessment of spot colors. For this reason, Colorimetry is a highly valuable option. It simplifies the measurement and evaluation of spectrophotometric values - and is highly reliable.

With a high-end roll-over spectral photometer at the control console, the whole spectrum of the printed colors can be measured and recorded. Target values for spot colors and process colors can be achieved accurately and maintained consistently during the entire print run.

Not only can colorimetric quality data can be displayed; sample measurements in control bars or image areas are also possible. By removing the measuring head off the horizontal guiding track and positioning it on the corresponding spot on the image, it can also be used as a handheld measuring device for spot measurements. When starting the measurement, all color values are captured and can be defined as default values.

A clear analysis of the color values measured is displayed on the monitor of the separate control console.

For printers with customers who have strict quality requirements, Colorimetry is extremely useful. From the statistics compiled and the reports about quality, operators will know if the job is proceeding according to the accepted process-standard. Colorimetry will show if the product meets the standard according to ISO 12647-2 (PSO).

The key to success is controlling and optimizing all the processes leading to the final print - something that can be achieved with the help of the four optional features of ROLAND InlineColorPilot. Together, they lead to higher productivity, further cost savings and greater customer satisfaction.